The Last Dragon

Chapter 6 - Out in The World

The big man frowned; his arms folded over his chest as he looked down at Ilia. Ilia dropped her gaze to her bare feet, glanced over at a bush, watched her fingers twist around together in front of her, looked up at a bird flittering between the trees—

"We can't just let her wander. She got lost, and it can happen again."

Ilia turned her pleading gaze on him. "Please, Sir. In the light, I'll be fine. I can't have gone far." Please work, she pleaded. Don't take me back.

"Ilia, we're miles from the castle." Eri raised an eyebrow.

"You'll come with us. We're heading to Mithlan. I can arrange a wagon ride back for you from there."

Ilia opened her mouth. The knight stared down at her, an arched eyebrow daring her to speak. Ilia closed her mouth. She wasn't going back right away, at least. Besides, this was her chance to see more of the country.

The knight set his pack on the ground and pulled out a self-inking quill and parchment. He scratched a note and folded it up, little wings extending from the shape he made. He tossed the note in the air and the tiny wings flapped. It zipped off towards the castle.

"Are you warm enough?" Eri glanced down at her bare feet.

Ilia shivered, unable to suppress it.

"The pack." The big knight gestured at Eri.

The young man turned, and the knight stepped behind him. He went through the pack and pulled a tunic from the main compartment. Wordlessly, he handed it to Ilia. She took the soft cloth in her hands.

He waved a hand over her and chanted. "There. We'll turn and you can change. Don't try to run. The circle will contain you."

They turned so their backs were to her. She held the thick wool tunic between her knees and wriggled her sweaty cotton night robes off. Her skin prickled in the cool morning air. Ilia eased the woolen tunic over her head and let it drop over her body. It was huge on her, with room for a few more of her inside, but she was warm again. It covered her almost to her ankles. Fortunately, the side slits would let her walk easily, while keeping her covered.

"Thank you." Ilia bundled her night robes and held them to her body.

The big knight held his hand out and she passed him the robes. He tucked them in the pack. "I don't have boots your size, or even close enough to be magicked."

"I'll be fine." Ilia smiled up at him. "I walk barefoot while gathering herbs all the time." It lets me feel the soil and know where the plants are better, she added to herself. Then again, he's an Earth Mage. He might understand. Might.

"Come. Let us know if you get tired or have any problems." The big knight turned and started walking. He waved for her to catch up.

She sighed. Maybe in Mithlan she could find someone who knew about premonitions. It was a big city, supposedly, and she might be able to slip away. Maybe there would be a way to contact Master Silvan and ask her? No, she'd be furious if Ilia left. She'd figure something out and find someone to ask.

Ilia darted up beside the big knight. She fell into step beside him. Eri walked on her other side. Ilia glanced up at Eri. Dark blue crystals glittered in his silver neckband. He was still a student, like her. She smiled. Water Mages and Earth Mages often got along incredibly well. No wonder she felt so relaxed around him. Water Mages made excellent healers, but had she ever seen a knight with Water Magic? Ilia got lost in her memories in the training yards.

Eri glanced down at her. "Are you okay?"

Ilia shook herself from her thoughts. She nodded.

"Surely you've seen a Water Mage before." He grinned at her, his face colouring.